07 Jun 2025
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
6 tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup basil leaves
salt & pepper to taste
This chilled fresh tomato and basil soup is the perfect recipe for a hot summer day. It's light, refreshing, and packed with the flavors of fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil. Plus, it's super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or looking for a quick and healthy lunch, this recipe will be your new go-to.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Begin by chopping the onion and tomatoes.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Wash and measure out the fresh basil leaves.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Cook Tomatoes:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot.
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of water.
- Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes become soft and start to break down.
4. Blend the Soup:
- Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a blender.
- Add the fresh basil leaves to the blender.
- Blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.
5. Season and Chill:
- Pour the blended soup back into the pot or a large bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Cover the soup and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
6. Serve:
- Once chilled, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the chilled tomato and basil soup in bowls.
- Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips:
- For a smoother texture, use a high-speed blender to puree the soup.
- Chill the soup for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil for an extra burst of flavor.
- If you prefer a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process.
Voila! Your chilled fresh tomato and basil soup is ready to be savored. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad, and you have a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. Enjoy!